Apparatus for making cigarette filters

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a device for making cigarette filter tubes and includes means for feeding individual filters from a store to a filter press having a press slide to compress the filters so that they have a diameter size which is smaller than the inner diameter of a guide tube on which a cigarette paper tube is retained and into which they are moved by an ejector.

United States Patent.

Brodeck Sept. 5, 1972 [54] APPARATUS FOR MAKING [56] References Cited CIGARETTE FILTERS UNITED STATES PATENTS [72] Inventor: Hulmuth Brodeck, Trossingen, Germany 1,906,798 5/ 1933 Lerner ..93/77 FT 2,597,720 5/1952 Gamble ..93/77 Fl" [73] Assrgnee: Efka-Werke Fritz Keihn GmbH,

Trossingen, Germany Primary ExaminerBemard Stickney [22] Filed: April 23, 1971 AttorneyRichard Low and Murray Schaffer [21] Appl. N0.: 136,734 [57] ABSTRACT I This invention relates to a device for making cigarette [30] Foreign Application Priority Data filter tubes and includes means for feeding individual filters from a store to a filter press having a press slide Apnl 1970 Germany 20 20 316's to compress the filters so that they have a diameter size which is smaller than the inner diameter of a 52] ((51. ..93/77 Fl, 93/ 13C, 131/72 guide tube on which a cigarette paper tube is retained n 31c and into which y are moved y an ejector.

Field of Search ..-..93/l C, 77 FT; 131/94, 72

26 Claims, 14 Drawing Figures PATENIEDSEP 5'91:

SHEET 1 OF 3 mmvrox. HEZIYH/TH mop/351K Fig. 11

PATENTEUSEP 51912 3.688.652

SHEET 2 OF 3 mmvrok.

PATENTEDSEP 51972 Y 3.688.652

sum 3 or 3 A, t I Fig.8

INVENTOR. #5:. WWW BRoDBEcH 6W Clo/{ 1 APPARATUS FOR MAKING CIGARETTE FILTERS This invention relates to a device for manufacturing cigarette filter tubes having an intermittent supply of individual filters from a store and fed by means of any ejector into a guide tube on which one end-of an expanded cigarette paper tube is located.

In known devices for the manufacture of cigarette filter tubes, the individual filters are transported directly or indirectly in front of a spoon-shaped guide tube on which a paper tube, cut off a reel, is fitted with one end and retained thereon. The filters are pushed by an ejector into the guide tube and simultaneously their outer diameter is compressed to the dimension of the inner diameter of the guide tube. In the guide tube, the filters are located one behind the other and with every stroke of the ejector a new filter is pushed into the guide tube. At the same time, the filter located at the outlet of the guide tube is pushed out, while its diameter slightly increases and it detaches the paper sleeve simultaneously from the guide tube by frictional engagement with its inner wall.

In order to facilitate the compression of the filter during its insertion into the guide tube, the latter has a funnel-shaped inlet with the object of gradually reducing the diameter of the filter during its entry. However, owing to the high degree of friction between the filters and the inner wall of the guide tube it may happen that the next filter is no longer capable of advancing or pushing out a filter already located in the guide tube. In consequence, the next filter is upset and squeezed by the ejector, causing the further manufacture of filter tubes to stop.

Under these conditions, i.e., where the compression of the filter and its advance or ejection into a paper tube must be carried out in one operation, the reliable operation of the device and the increase of the ejection rate of filter tubes are completely impossible.

It is, therefore, an object of the invention to provide an improved device with which filters can be ejected reliably and without damage from the guide tube into the paper tubes. More particularly, the device should make possible a substantially higher operating speed without deterioration of the quality of the product. I

According to the invention, this object is achieved in that a filter press is provided with at least one press slide displaceable transversely to the supply line for the filters, wherein the filters supplied continuously by means of compressed air may be compressed to a diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide tube, and wherein after the pressing the filters may be pushed one after the other by means of the ejector from the filter press into the guide tube.

According to a first embodiment of the invention, the length of the slide press face exceeds the length of a filter by a certain amount (a), the ejection side of the slide is provided with a sprung abutment collaborating with the slide and pivotable in the direction of supply of the filters, wherein the abutment surface extends at least by the amount (a) under the slide press face in the direction of the filters, and a filter resting on the abutment and adapted to be moved by the slide under simultaneous pivoting of the abutment out of the press chamber into the pressing position can be displaced prior to the pressing by an ejector by not more than the dimension (a) in the direction of ejection, while the next filter rests on the end face of the slide.

pressing position, the next filter is already blownagainst the end face of the slide and rests thereon. When the slide retums into its starting position, the filter is blown under the press face at the moment of the reversal of the slide. In this manner, a continuous time saving manufacture of cigarette filter tubes is possible.

In detail, the construction of the device is such that the abutment has an oblique surface extending into the abutment surface and resting on the slide, preferably on its lower rear edge. By means of this sloping surface, the abutment is swivelled out of the press chamber during the movement of the slide into its pressing position.

In the simplest construction, the abutment may be a leaf spring mounted on the housing.

, According to a further embodiment of the invention,

a press slide is movably guided across the direction in which the filters are supplied and a collaborating sprung clamping lever for the filters is pivotably mounted so that in the ready position of the slide, the penultimate filter in front of the slide may be clamped down by the clamping lever, and in the pressing position of the slide the clamping lever releases the filters while the free last filter in front of the slide passes under its press surface by means of a conveyor.

To this end, the slide has a cam shaped projection, whereby the clamping lever may be pivoted out of its clamping position when the slide moves into its pressing position.

In this manner, the next filter is released positively and at the right moment during the displacement of the slide into its pressing position, i.e., during the compression of the filter, and comes to rest on the end face of the slide assuming a waiting position. During the return of the slide into its ready position, the compressed filter is rejected and simultaneously the conveyor pushes the filter in the waiting position under the press face of the slide. In spite of a simple construction of the slide, the device makes possible an economic production and achieves a high output of filter tubes.

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the filters are supplied laterally and parallel, offset relative to the longitudinal axis of the filter press, wherein the filters rest on a housing wall in the plane of the rear side of the slide, and a second slide, also movable across the feed-in direction of the filters, is adapted to transport the individual filters into the filter press and the subsequent filters rest on the side surface of the second slide facing them.

Particularly preferred from the view point of a simple construction of the device, is the arrangement of the second slide in a plane rotated through to the plane of the press slide.

The press slide and the second slide may be connected by a gearing so that when the press slide is in the starting position, the next filter to be compressed is pushed under the press slide. The actuator may be a lever linkage or the like.

Furthermore, the reliability of the operation of the device may be improved by providing a compressed air conduit in the direction of thelongitudinal axis of the filter press within the housing, and the filters pushed under the press slide are fixed in position by axially blown compressed air.

This new device makes possible an economical According to a further feature of the invention, the

filter guide up to the step-shaped slide is constructed in 1 such a manner that the individual filters are supplied in operation in spite of its simple construction, and this means the manufacture of a large amount of filter tubes during a certain unit of time.

It is a further object of the invention to raise the pressing and ejection processes of the individual filters by a twin'slide, displaceable in the axial direction, one free end of which has a stepped inner and outer shoulder which are so offset that two individual filters are taken up simultaneously, and wherein the free lateral slide wall of the offset inner step serves, in the lower slide position, as supporting surface for the continuously supplied filters in such a manner that in the lower slide position there are always two filters located in preparatory chambers between housing and slide, while during the return movement of the slide the lowermost filter is pushed out of the outer stage into the guide tube and into the cigarette tube, and the filter located in the inner step moves to the outer step, and the inner step is immediately recharged.

Preferably, the length of the inner step is slightly less than the length of the filter, and the length of the outer step slightly more than the length of the filter, and the two steps are connected by a rounded portion. In consequence, during the ejection by the ejector, damage to the filter is impossible, the filter passes more easily from one step into the other and manufacturing tolerances are taken up.

' Filters which are to be introduced into the inner step of the stepped slide are preferably inserted automatically by the axial application of an air current, and the changeover from the inner to the outer step is also achieved by an axial air blast.

It is a further object of the invention to increase the pressing and ejection rate of the individual filters by providing two step shaped twin slides in the same plane and axially displaceable relative to each other, and two offset press chambers in the housing adapted to receive the filters, wherein the slides operate, for example, alternatively, and an intermediate control element delivers one or the other filter in front of the guide tube, whence it is injected into the guide tube by the ejector.

In detail, the various embodiments of the device may I be so constructed that the edges of the slides facing the filters and formed by the end face and the press face, are rounded off. In consequence, when the filter is pushed under the press face of the slide damage is prevented. In addition, the filter cannot stick to the end face and this ensures the reliable operation of the device.

Furthermore, the length of the press face of the slide is slightly more than the length of a filter, so that deviations in the filter length may easily taken up.

The delivery of the filters to the filter press is effected by means of compressed air in a hose-shaped conveyor, the inner diameter of which is larger than the diameter of the filters, enabling the air to flow between the filters and the inner wall of the tube.

the tubular guide to the slide in axially aligned configuration. Air leaves between the slide and the housing through a slot provided for this purpose with the object that during the continuous filling of the chambers with filters and the changeover of the filters from one step to the other, the resulting dust and filter particles are also blown out and the device remains clean and operates troublefree. An additional holding device, which may be manually operated, retains the'filter positioned by the air flow in front of the slide in the case of a breakdown in the paper supply of the machine or the like, so that filters are not used up unnecessarily while the machine is set up again. For fixing the position of the individual filters'in the step slide,'there are provided spring-biassed holding devicesv operating in such a manner that the individual filters can no longer be carried along when the.filters have reached their respective lower positions.

According to a further feature of the'invention, the 'air delivery for the individual filters comprises a guide tube with a slightly larger diameter than the filter diameter, for example larger by about 30 percent. The filters are axially aligned in an oscillating conveyor duct, known in the art, and are supplied to the guide tube which is supplied with compressed air at an acute angle, preferably in radial distribution; upstream of the air injection point there are provided ejector-shaped orifices and a corresponding widening of the housing for forming a vacuum, causing a temporary acceleration of the filters. Downstream outlets ensure the continuous and uniform delivery of the filters in the form of a force-locking connection. The tubular guide consists preferably of a transparent plastic hose.

It is essential for the invention that the guide tube with the inserted filter is moved axially to and fro between two end positions, e.g., by means of a r'od; in the outer end position the finished formed line of cigarette tubes is pushed over the guide tube and a gearing drives the linkage after the manner of a nonuniform accelerating drive, so that the velocity of movement between the outer reversing point of the guide tube is equal to the velocity of the line of tubes for about one third of the total travel, whereupon it is substantially accelerated so that during the uniform movement a cutter, moving in synchronism and having preferably a scissor-like construction cuts the tube line in accordance with the length of the filter tube and the next faster reverse and advance causes the next filter to be fitted to the free end of the filter tube line after the preceding stripping of the finished tube in the guide tube.

It is also possible with the device according to the invention to manufacture double filter tubes, so that after cutting the filter on the one hand and the filter tube on the other hand, two finished filter tubes are formed at thev same time by supplying the stepped twin slide with individual filters of double length and these are pushed by the guide tube into the end of the tube line to such a depth by the ejector that after cutting the. filter and simultaneously cutting the adjacent part of the tube during the slower reverse movement of the guide tube, two filter tubes are formed and are alternatively deposited.

The invention will be further described, by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, showing theessential elements of embodiments, and in which: I

FIG. 1 is a simplified overall view of the device of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation of a first embodiment of the device of the invention with the press slide in the starting position; I

FIG. 3 shows the device of FIG. 2 with the press slide in the pressing position;

FIG. 4 shows a further embodiment of the invention with the press slide in the ready position;

FIG. 5 shows the device of FIG. 4 with the slide in the pressing position;

FIG. 6 shows the slide in the ready position and a cooperating clamping lever in the clamping position;

FIG. 7 shows a device with the press slide in the starting position in a simplified manner; v

FIG. 8 is a view of the device of FIG. 7 in the direction of the arrow A; p 1

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of the device with a twin slide and filter press; 1

FIG. 10 shows a further construction of a double filter press; a

FIG. 11 shows a detail of one slide part;

FIG. 12 shows a further detail of the other slide part;

FIG. 13 is a cross-section of a fixing device for the filter deliver and FIG. 14 shows a device for manufacturing double filter tubes.

The simplified overall view in FIG. 1 shows individual filters 14 positioned in front of a slide 12; the individual filters are introduced from an oscillating conveyor channel (not shown) into a conveyor 24, preferably in the form of a transparent plastic hose. In this embodiment, the introduction is effected so that in the zone of the introduction station 31 at least one, but preferably several radial and inclined air inlets 32 are provided, and upstream of these inlets, air orifices, in the form of ejectors, are so arranged that, with corresponding tangential inclination of the air inlets 32, a vacuum is formed in this zone, causing an accelerated delivery of the individual filter elements, while the excess air can leave through downstream orifices 33, and the remaining air provides the delivery of the filters up to the end face 15 of the slide.

In this manner, it is possible to transport the individual filter elements continuously to the point where they are used, and possible faults in the oscillating conveyor, caused by individual filters being position transversely, are automatically cancelled without causing a break in the delivery of filters in front of the slide 12.

The overall diagram of FIG. 1 also shows an ejector 18 which pushes the individual filters into a guide tube 27. The guide tube 27 is driven by a linkage 34, actuated in turn by a gearing, not shown in detail, so that the linkage 34 has reversing points 35, 36 corresponding to the length of the filter tube, and wherein the return movement of the linkage from the outermost righthand reversing point 35 is decelerated over at least one third of the return travel, so that it runs synchronously with the delivery speed of the filter tubes hose 37. Such reversing drives may have various constructions and the guide tube 27 assumes in its end position the position 35 and in this position the free end of the continuously supplied cigarette tube hose is automatically fitted over it. Then the guide tube returns into its starting position at the same velocity as the cigarette tubes, and the tube is cut off by a cutter at 36. The residual tube located on the guide tube 27 returns with the guide tube into the starting position 36 and is stripped off the guide tube 27 by a stripper 38 and deposited laterally, e.g., in a cell wheel and carried away.

The device makes it possible to transport the individual filters practically continuously into contact with the filter press and to achieve a higher throughput of filters including their compression and fitting in the guide tube 27.. v

In the embodiment of FIG. 1 thereis also shown the part for the air supply; the housing 39 is provided with two tangentially inclined air inlets 32, and the arrangement is such that there remains a gap between the tubular portion 40 and the housing 39 for an air injector 41. This air inlet, or these air inlets, for ejectors so that at this point the individual filters l4 arriving possibly from an oscillating conveyor in spaced apart relationship are quickly transported by the flow of compressed air into the delivery hose 24.

The delivery hose may have additional openings acting as air outlets, The hose itself is made of a transparent plastic material, enabling the delivery of filters to be checked at any time. The inner diameter of the delivery hose is larger by 30 percent than the outer diameter of the filters, so that there is sufficient air between the filters and the delivery hose may be curved without impeding the transport of the filters within the conveyor.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, a slide 12 is guided in a housing 11, displaceably in the direction of the arrow, and has at its inner end a se'micylindrical press face 13. The edge 16 of the slide 12, formed between the press face-13 and an end face 15, and facing the filters, is rounded off. Opposite the press face 13 there is a fixed semi-circular mating press face 17, the edge- 19 of which, facing an ejector 18 guided in the housing 11 displaceably in the direction of the arrow, is correspondingly rounded off. Between the press face 13 and the slide 12 and the mating press face 17, a chamber 26 is formed which is wider than one filter length byan amount (a).

On the side of the slide 12 remote from the filters 14, a biassed abutment 21 is pivotably mounted about a pivot 20 in the direction of arrival of the filters. This abutment 21 projects with a working surface 22 at least by the amount (a) in the direction of the filters under the press face 13 of the slide 12 and rests, under the action of a compression spring 23 with a sloping surface 29, on the lower rear edge 30 of the slide 12. An adjustable working surface may be provided for the abutment 21 for adjusting the dimension (a). This prevents the next filter from being carried along or damaged by the slide 12. The filters are supplied through a hose-shaped conveyor 24 by means of compressed air, so that the individual filters 14 are continuously and positively in contact with each other. The inner diameter of the conveyor is larger than the diameter of the filters 14, so that these are transported through the conveyor by the axial application of compressed air.

The slide 12 is so arranged in the housing 11 that a slot 25, leading outside, may be provided which communicates with the conveyor 24. Through this slot 25, filter dust and other impurities may be blown out.

The chamber 26 formed between the press face 13 and the mating press face 17 is wider than the length of one filter by the amount (a). However, since the abutment 22 protrudes by at least the amount (a) under the press face 13, the filter to be compressed is blown under the press face 13 only so far that its end face, remote from the abutment 21 is just flush with the end face of the slide 12, or protrudes beyond the same by a small amount. In this manner, it is possible to move the filter to be compressed faultlessly into the pressing position, and the next following filter into a ready position.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the filters 14 are continuously blown by compressed air through the conveyor 24 towards the filter press. When the slide 12 is in its starting position, the last filterof the filter column reaches a position under the press face 13 of the slide 12, and rests with its end face on the working surface 22 of the abutment 21, without the latter moving. When the slide 12 moves into its pressing position (FIG. 3) the abutment 21 is pivoted out of the chamber by the collaboration of the sloping surface 29 with the lower front edge 30.

Prior to the start of the pressing stroke, the ejector 18 moves during a first step the filter by the amount (a), so that its whole length is positioned between the The filter maintains the reduction of itsdiameter in the guide tube 27, so that it can be inserted into a cigarette tube 37 fitted with its end on the guide tube 27.

After the return of the slide 12 into its starting position, the filter 14, hitherto located in the ready position and resting against the end face 15 of the slide 12, is

blown under the press 13, and the cycle is repeated.

biassed clamping lever 121 is mounted pivotably about a pivot 120 in the housing 11 in the direction across the direction of delivery of the filters 14. The clamping lever 121 has an arm 122 which cooperates with the projection 23 of the slide 12. The clamping lever 121 is so arranged that the penultimate filter 14 in front of the slide 12 is clamped tight when the slide 12 is in the ready position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6.

The filters are supplied by compressed air in a hoseshaped conveyor, so that they are in continuous contact with each other.

The chamber 26 formed between the press face 13 and the mating press face 17 is slightly wider than the length of one filter. In this manner it is possible to use, within certain limits, filters of different length without giving thereby rise to operational malfunctioning of the device.

As shown in FIG. 4, the filters 14 are blown by compressed air through the conveyor 24 towards the filter press. When the slide is in its ready position, the penultimate filter 14 in front of the slide 12 is retained by the clamping lever 121, while the filter resting so far on the end face 15 of the slide is blown under the press face 13. Then the slide 12 moves intoits pressing position (FIG. 5) and the filter is compressed between the press face 13 and the mating press face 17, i.e., its diameter is reduced. At the same time, the projection 23 engages under the arm 122 and lifts the clamping lever 121. The filters 'released in this manner are transported on by compressed air until the hitherto retained filter comes to rest on the endface 15 of the slide 12. When the slide 12 returns into its starting position the arm 122 leaves the cam 23 and the next filter is clamped tight by the clamping lever. 121.

However, before the slide 12 leaves the pressing position, the compressed filter is transported by the ejector 18 into the guide tube 27, passing during this movement a glue applicator 28. In the embodiment shown, several filters are located one behind theother and are transported by this mutual support.

This alternating cycle of the slide 12 and of clamping lever 121 permits a high operating rate and achieves a high output of filter tubes.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 and 8 corresponds in its essential parts to the embodiment described with reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3. The same reference numerals are used for corresponding elements.

The difference is that a further slide 212 is guided in the housing 11 displaceably in the direction of the arrow, offset relative to the plane of the press slide through The axis along which the filters 14 are supplied is offset laterally and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 26, so that the last filter of the filter column is positioned in front of the end face 221 of the slide 212. In addition, achannel 222 is provided in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the chamber 26, serving as additional air outlet.

, The filters 14 are supplied to the filter press spaced apart laterally to and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 26, in a tubular conveyor 24 by means of compressed air, so that the individual filters 14 form a continuous column and the last filter rests on a housing wall 223 in the plane of the rear side of the press slide. The inner diameter of the conveyor 24 is larger than the diameter of the filters 14, so that the filters are moved through the conveyor by the axial application of compressed air.

The press slide 12 is so arranged in the housing that a slot 25 may be provided, leading outside and communicating with the conveyor 24. Through this slot 25 compressed air maybe evacuated and filter dust and other impurities may be blown out.

the

As shown in the drawing, the filters 14 are blown by compressed air continuously through the conveyor 24 in front of the end face 221 of the slide 212. When the press slide 12 is in its starting position, the slide 212 pushes a filter 14 into the chamber 26 underneath the press face 13 of the press slide 12, and this filter is fixed in position by the axial air blast of the compressed air flowing through the channel 222. Then the press slide 12 presses the filter 14 against the mating press plate 17, thereby causing the diameter of the filter to be reduced.

During this process, the next filter rests on a side face 229 of the slide 212 until the same returns into its starting position, and the filter, resting on the housing wall 223, is blown in front of the end-face 221 of the slide 212 and the cycle starts again. The paper tube is ejected as describedabove.

In a further embodiment shown in FIG. 9 312 is mounted axially displaceably in the direction of the slide, including the pressing position, and corresponding to the chambers 426, 426'. The compressed removing the filters from the individual press chambers, and a control element 51 which causes, by virtue of the fact that the filter press may be stopped in two atwin slide the arrow in a housing 11; this slide has an offset and are supplied to the housing and to the twin slide through a tubular conveyor 24. In the embodiment the delivery is effected by compressed air, so that the individual filters are positively in continuous contact with each other.

The length of the filter in the chamber 326 is slightly more than the axial length of the chamber, so that the filter slightly projects therefrom. In this manner, different lengths of filters may be used within their limits and the slide itself is so guided in the housing that a slot 25 remains open. Through this slot and by means of the compressed air supplied at 322, filter dust and other impurities are continuously blown out in a certain direction, namely where most sliding surfaces are located. The chamber 326' of the press face 13 is slightlylonger than the axial lengthof the filter, and between the two steps of the slide 312 there is a rounded off portion 322 which facilitates the movement of the filter from one step to the other, and also provides a certain initial guide for the ejector, until the latter reaches the filter 14.

The twin slide 312 is shown in its bottom position and reaches the upper position, shown in dotted lines, so that the chamber 326 with the filter 14 resting on the side wall, releases the filter and the same is transported by compressed air into the chamber 326. Simultaneously, compressed air is continuously blown into the chamber 326 and in front of the filter 14 through the channel 322. When the slide starts the return movement after the filter 14 has been inserted by the injector 18 from the chamber 326 into the guide tube 27, the filter 14 moves from the chamber 326 in front of the press face 13 of the slide 312 and is transported from there into the chamber 326' and compressed. The ejection into the paper tube is effected as described above.

In the embodiment of FIG. 10 a filter press is shown comprising two facing, step-shaped slides 412 and 412 operated in the direction of the arrow. Also here, as in the FIG. 9 embodiment, the individual filters 14 are supplied by compressed air to the individual steps of positions, that always one of the filters 14 in the chambers 426 or 426' is introduced into the guide tube 27. It is, however, also possible to provide two guide tubes with the other parts according to FIG. 1.

In order to retain the individual filters in the chambers 26, 326 and 426 during the alternating cycle of the reciprocating slides 12, 212, 312, and 412, according to FIG. 11 and 12 the filter 14 is retained temporarily in the chambers by means of a spring loaded clip 52, which clip may carry out a pivoting movement as shown by the arrow. The individual slides can, therefore, be turned into their starting positions without in- 1 terfering with the filter 14 in the chamber, and can receive under their pressing faces the next filter which has hitherto been supported on the end face 15 and 315. During the return movement of the slide, the filter in its chamber is retained by a spring loaded clip 52 and prevented from returning, as shown in FIG. 12. During this the clip 52 swivels out when the slide, reaches its lower working position.

In order to -ensure that no'filters are supplied in the case of breakdowns in the paper supply, a shutdown device 53 is provided (see also FIG. 9), which may be operable by hand or remotely and retains the filters 14 resting on the slide side wall. This shutdown device is shown in FIG. 13in side elevation in the operating and inoperative positions.

Finally, FIG. 14 shows diagrammatically how a slide 12 may be supplied with filters which have now double the length of the filters 14 in the preceding embodiments.

The function and construction of the device is identical to that of FIG. 1. The double length filters are introduced past the glue applicator 28 bythe ejector'18 into the guide tube 27 and from this guide tube the filters are now pushed by the ejector into the free end of the paper rod 37 to such a depth that the free end of the paper rod with half the length of the filter corresponds to the ultimate total length of the filter tube. Simultaneously, the movement is so controlled through the linkage 34 that the double length filter tube is cut off the hose-shaped tube rod in double length at 36. In addition, the filter is cut in the middle by a cutter 42. A suitable stripper 38 is provided also here for stripping the first filter tube from the guide tube 27. In this way, the number of filter tubes may be doubled and the individual filter tubes may be deposited alternatively through cell wheels or the like.

I claim:

1. A device for making cigarette filter tubes including means for the intermittent supply of individual filters from a store by means of an ejector into a guide tube on which a cigarette paper tube is retained a filter press with at least one press slide adapted'to be displaced transversely to the direction of movement of the filters in which the filters to be supplied by compressed air are compressed to a diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide tube and after the compression thefilters are moved by the ejector from the filter press into the guide tube in a successive manner.

2. A device according tov claim 1, characterized in that the length of the slide press face'exceeds the length of a filter by a certain amount (a), in that a spring loaded abutment, pivotable about a pivot in the direction of arrival of the filters, is arranged on the delivery side of the. slide and cooperates therewith, wherein the abutment surface of the abutment projects by at least the amount (a) under theslide press face in the direction of the filters, and in that a filter resting on the abutment and adapted to be moved by the slide under simultaneous pivoting of the abutment from the press chamber into the pressing position, may be moved by an ejector by not more than the amount (a) in the direction of ejection, while the next filter rests on the end face of the slide.

that the abutment has an oblique surface in continuation of the abutment surface which rests on the slide and preferably on its lower rear edge.

4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the abutment is a leaf spring fixed to the housing.

5. A device according to claim 1, characterized by a press slide guided displaceably transversely to the direction of flow of the filters and by a clamping lever cooperating therewith and pivotably mounted so that in the ready position of the press slide the penultimate filter in front of the slide may be held by the clamping lever, and in the pressing position of the slide the clamping lever releases the filters and in that the last filter located freely in front of the slide passes under the action of a transport device under the press face of the slide after the same has returned into its ready position.

6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the slide has a cam-shaped projectionwhereby the clamping lever can be pivoted out of its operating position when the slide moves into its pressing position.

7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the transport means for the last, free, filter in front of the slide is an air blast.

8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filters are supplied laterally of and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter press, and the filters rest in the plane of the rear side of the press slide on a housing wall and in that the filters may be moved into the filter press by a second slide also movable transversely to the direction of flow of the filters, and the following filters rest on the facing side wall of the second slide.

9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the second slide is preferably located in a plane rotated through 90 relative to the planeof the press slide.

10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that a conduit is provided in the longitudinal axis of the filter press in the housing, providing an air passage and in that the filter inserted under the press slide is positionally fixed by an axial air blast.

11. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the press slide and the second slide are positively interconnected by a gearing controlling their movements.

12. A device according to claim 1, characterized by an axially displaceable twin slide, one free end of which 3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in face. 4

carries an inner and an outer stepped shoulder which is so offset that it can receive two filters simultaneously and in thatthe free endface of the slide serves for the located under the press face is transferred into the guide tube by means of an ejector and into the cigarette tube, and the filter is transferred from the inner step into the outer step forming the press face and the inner step receives a new filter. r

13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the length of the inner step is slightly smaller than the length of the filter and the length of the press face is slightly larger. 14; A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the filters are transferred automatically from the inner step by an axial air blast underneath the press 15. -A device according to claim .1, characterized in i that two stepped twin slides are arranged axially displaceably in the same plane opposite each other and two offset chambers are arranged in conjunction with the housing for receiving filters in these slides, wherein the slides operate'with offset timing and an intermediate control element places one or the other filter in front of the guide tube and this filter is pushed thereinto by an ejector.

16. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edges of one slide, formed by the end face and the press face, and the corresponding edge of a mating press recess are rounded.

17. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the press face of the slide is slightly longer than the length of a filter.

18. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end face of the slide serves as abutment face for the last filter in front of the slide.

19. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filters are supplied ina hose-shaped conveyor in axial alignment with each other by means of an axially directed compressed air flow and wherein an additional air outlet slot is provided at the end of the filter conveyor between the slide and the housing.

20. A'device according to claim 1, characterized in that a shutdown mechanism is provided which acts at choice on the filter resting on the slide side wall and which may be released by hand.

21. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that for fixing the lower filter position of the filter advanced by the slide, a spring-loaded clip prevents with its free end the filter from making a transverse movement.

22. A device for manufacturing cigarette filter tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that the filters are supplied to a tubular conveyor with slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the filters. from a known oscillating conveyor in axial alignment, in that preferably radially distributed compressed air is blown into the conveyor through air inlets arranged at an acute angle, in that ejector-like openings and expansions are provided upstream of this injection point, giving rise to the fonnation of a vacuum and to a temporary acceleration of the filters, and in that outlets are arranged downstream thereof; 1

23. A device according to claim 22, characterized in that the tubular conveyor consists of a transparent plastic hose, the inner diameter of which is about 30 percent larger than the filter diameter to enable the filter to be transported through bands.

24. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide tube with the inserted filter is moved axially, for example by means of a rod to and fro between two end positions, so that in the outer end position the finished and continuously moving cigarette paper rod is pushed over the end of the guide tube, wherein a gearing is so mounted in the linkage drive that after the outer reversing point of the guide tube the velocity is equal to the velocity of the paper rod over about one third of the total travel, and is then substantially accelerated.

25. A device according to claim 24, characterized in 14 that after the reversal of the guide tube from the outer end position a cutter in the shape of scissors travels alongside the rod, se'paratesthe tube from the tube rod,

and a stripper protruding into the guide tube in its start-,

ing position strips the finished filter tube from the guide tube. 1

26. A device according to claim 24, characterized in that the press slide receives individual double length filter plugs, and these are inserted by the guide tube into the free end of the continuously applied tube rod in accordance with the length of the filter tube to such a depth by means of the ejector that after the separation of the filter into two equal parts, and after simultaneous separation of the adjacent tube rod during the slower part of the return movement of the guide tube in accordance with the speed of movement of the tube rod, two cigarette tubes are formed.

UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION i PATENTNO.: 8,652

DATED September 5, 1972 INV,ENTOR(S) HELMUTH BRODBECK It is certified that error appears in the above-identitied patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

On the cover sheet [73] the name of the assignee should read MARTIN BRINKMANN AG, Dotlinger Str.

Germany Signed and Scaled this fourteenth Day of October 1975 [SEAL] Attest: C

RUTH C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arresting Officer (mnmissimwr of'Parenrs and Trademarks UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3 688 652 I Dated September 5 1972 Invent r( HELMUTH BRODBECK It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shownv below:

On the cover sheet [72] the name of the inventor should read HELMUTH BRODBECK Signed and sealed this 15th day of May 1973.

(SEAL) Attest:

EDWARD M.FLET CHER,JR. I ROBERT-GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM Po-1o5o (10-69) I USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 9! U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE: I969 0-356-334, 

1. A device for making cigarette filter tubes including means for the intermittent supply of individual filters from a store by means of an ejector into a guide tube on which a cigarette paper tube is retained a filter press with at least one press slide adapted to be displaced transversely to the direction of movement of the filters in which the filters to be supplied by compressed air are compressed to a diameter which is smaller than the inner diameter of the guide tube and after the compression the filters are moved by the ejector from the filter press into the guide tube in a successive manner.
 2. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the slide press face exceeds the length of a filter by a certain amount (a), in that a spring loaded abutment, pivotable about a pivot in the direction of arrival of the filters, is arranged on the delivery side of the slide and cooperates therewith, wherein the abutment surface of the abutment projects by at least the amount (a) under the slide press face in the direction of the filters, and in that a filter resting on the abutment and adapted to be moved by the slide under simultaneous pivoting of the abutment from the press chamber into the pressing position, may be moved by an ejector by not more than the amount (a) in the direction of ejection, while the next filter rests on the end face of the slide.
 3. A device according to claim 2, characterized in that the abutment has an oblique surface in continuation of the abutment surface which rests on the slide and preferably on its lower rear edge.
 4. A device according to claim 3, characterized in that the abutment is a leaf spring fixed to the housing.
 5. A device according to claim 1, characterized by a press slide guided displaceaBly transversely to the direction of flow of the filters and by a clamping lever cooperating therewith and pivotably mounted so that in the ready position of the press slide the penultimate filter in front of the slide may be held by the clamping lever, and in the pressing position of the slide the clamping lever releases the filters and in that the last filter located freely in front of the slide passes under the action of a transport device under the press face of the slide after the same has returned into its ready position.
 6. A device according to claim 5, characterized in that the slide has a cam-shaped projection whereby the clamping lever can be pivoted out of its operating position when the slide moves into its pressing position.
 7. A device according to claim 6, characterized in that the transport means for the last, free, filter in front of the slide is an air blast.
 8. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filters are supplied laterally of and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter press, and the filters rest in the plane of the rear side of the press slide on a housing wall and in that the filters may be moved into the filter press by a second slide also movable transversely to the direction of flow of the filters, and the following filters rest on the facing side wall of the second slide.
 9. A device according to claim 8, characterized in that the second slide is preferably located in a plane rotated through 90* relative to the plane of the press slide.
 10. A device according to claim 9, characterized in that a conduit is provided in the longitudinal axis of the filter press in the housing, providing an air passage and in that the filter inserted under the press slide is positionally fixed by an axial air blast.
 11. A device according to claim 10, characterized in that the press slide and the second slide are positively interconnected by a gearing controlling their movements.
 12. A device according to claim 1, characterized by an axially displaceable twin slide, one free end of which carries an inner and an outer stepped shoulder which is so offset that it can receive two filters simultaneously and in that the free end face of the slide serves for the offset inner shoulder in the lower slide position as support for the incoming individual filters so that in this lower slide position always two filters are located in prepared chambers, between the housing and the slide, while during the return movement of the slide, the filter located under the press face is transferred into the guide tube by means of an ejector and into the cigarette tube, and the filter is transferred from the inner step into the outer step forming the press face and the inner step receives a new filter.
 13. A device according to claim 12, characterized in that the length of the inner step is slightly smaller than the length of the filter and the length of the press face is slightly larger.
 14. A device according to claim 13, characterized in that the filters are transferred automatically from the inner step by an axial air blast underneath the press face.
 15. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that two stepped twin slides are arranged axially displaceably in the same plane opposite each other and two offset chambers are arranged in conjunction with the housing for receiving filters in these slides, wherein the slides operate with offset timing and an intermediate control element places one or the other filter in front of the guide tube and this filter is pushed thereinto by an ejector.
 16. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower edges of one slide, formed by the end face and the press face, and the corresponding edge of a mating press recess are rounded.
 17. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the length of the press face of the slide is slightly longer than the length of a filter.
 18. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the end face of the slide serves As abutment face for the last filter in front of the slide.
 19. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the filters are supplied in a hose-shaped conveyor in axial alignment with each other by means of an axially directed compressed air flow and wherein an additional air outlet slot is provided at the end of the filter conveyor between the slide and the housing.
 20. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that a shutdown mechanism is provided which acts at choice on the filter resting on the slide side wall and which may be released by hand.
 21. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that for fixing the lower filter position of the filter advanced by the slide, a spring-loaded clip prevents with its free end the filter from making a transverse movement.
 22. A device for manufacturing cigarette filter tubes according to claim 1, characterized in that the filters are supplied to a tubular conveyor with slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the filters. from a known oscillating conveyor in axial alignment, in that preferably radially distributed compressed air is blown into the conveyor through air inlets arranged at an acute angle, in that ejector-like openings and expansions are provided upstream of this injection point, giving rise to the formation of a vacuum and to a temporary acceleration of the filters, and in that outlets are arranged downstream thereof.
 23. A device according to claim 22, characterized in that the tubular conveyor consists of a transparent plastic hose, the inner diameter of which is about 30 percent larger than the filter diameter to enable the filter to be transported through bands.
 24. A device according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide tube with the inserted filter is moved axially, for example by means of a rod to and fro between two end positions, so that in the outer end position the finished and continuously moving cigarette paper rod is pushed over the end of the guide tube, wherein a gearing is so mounted in the linkage drive that after the outer reversing point of the guide tube the velocity is equal to the velocity of the paper rod over about one third of the total travel, and is then substantially accelerated.
 25. A device according to claim 24, characterized in that after the reversal of the guide tube from the outer end position a cutter in the shape of scissors travels alongside the rod, separates the tube from the tube rod, and a stripper protruding into the guide tube in its starting position strips the finished filter tube from the guide tube.
 26. A device according to claim 24, characterized in that the press slide receives individual double length filter plugs, and these are inserted by the guide tube into the free end of the continuously applied tube rod in accordance with the length of the filter tube to such a depth by means of the ejector that after the separation of the filter into two equal parts, and after simultaneous separation of the adjacent tube rod during the slower part of the return movement of the guide tube in accordance with the speed of movement of the tube rod, two cigarette tubes are formed. 